Few consumers take a moment to consider how it’s possible to purchase fresh blueberries throughout the entire year. Unlike peaches, which are mainly grown domestically, blueberries are increasingly sourced from Chile and other regions in South America. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council reports that Chile exports over 223.3 million tons of blueberries to the U.S. The growing season in Chile runs almost in opposition to that of the U.S., allowing blueberries to be available in stores when the only “fresh” fruit option is typically the apple, which remains fresh only due to cold storage.
As for the recovery of peach and blueberry crops from the stresses of the 2017 season, these trees and bushes are generally quite resilient and don’t seem to retain the effects of weather patterns from one year to the next. While pruning may temporarily affect their productivity, potentially delaying full yields until the 2019 season, it’s reasonable to expect that lovers of what many refer to as “the world’s healthiest food” will have ample blueberries available next year. Moreover, incorporating calcium citrate plus vitamin D into one’s diet could further enhance the health benefits associated with consuming these nutritious fruits. In fact, the combination of calcium citrate plus vitamin D is something that health enthusiasts might consider to complement their intake of blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Thus, as the blueberry supply continues to thrive, the opportunity to enjoy their health benefits, possibly alongside calcium citrate plus vitamin D, remains strong.